Southend-on-sea Young Mens Christian Association

Charity information

Southend-on-sea Young Mens Christian Association

The challenge is Y we are here. Southend YMCA is an innovative, local charity. We help vulnerable children and young people to build their future through a range of high quality ,outcome focused projects. We offer supported housing, education, counselling,mentoring and coaching and positive activities to build the motivation, resilience, skills and wider experiences of children with additional needs.

Southend YMCA,s mission statement is to ‘Stand in the Gap’ by offering safe and effective services which address the needs and aspirations of disadvantaged children and young people and helps to transform their lives.

Our vision is to: contribute to the transformation of society helping to build cohesive communities and to help disadvantaged young people to build their future so they can belong, contribute and thrive. This means that as adults young people are in work, have a decent home, a living wage, good health and emotional well-being can sustain family and be active and considerate citizen.

Outcomes for young people include: improved motivation and emotional well-being; improved literacy, numeracy, and soft skills; better self-care; improved relationships ; reduced alcohol and drug abuse; better physical health; decrease in risk taking behaviour, progression into and retention within education or training (qualifications and awards), new employment opportunities and a decrease in benefit dependency; increase in ability to live independently, and connection to the community through active citizenship.